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DEREK King, a star of the VFA in its halcyon period in the 1970s, has died at age 65.

Playing for Oakleigh, King won the JJ Liston Trophy as best and fairest in First Division in 1975 and the Field Medal, the Division 2 equivalent, in 1977.

He was also runner-up in the Liston in 1976 and third in 1970, ‘71 and ’80. King also represented the VFA and was Ardath player of the year and an All Star selection in 1977, the association’s centenary season.

His VFA career finished at Caulfield, where he won a best and fairest and was third in another.

Skeetsie

Posts : 1Points : 1Join date : 2013-01-31

Thank you Youngy for posting this article. My Uncle Dekka was was a wonderful footballer, athlete and an inspiration to me.He was a fierce competitor and showed courage right until the end.I will miss him dearly.

youngy

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Posts : 1498Points : 2615Join date : 2010-07-19Location : Adelaide

Thanks Skeetsie,

It was terrific of the Herald Sun to post the news of Derek's passing on its website.

I was a keen follower of the VFA in the 1970's and remember Derek clearly as a tenacious player with a bit of speed of the mark. As the article suggests Derek was a very consistent player, rarely out of the best player lists. As one of the few VFA players in his day who ran regularly with the VAL, no doubt his superior fitness carried him well throughout his career.

I saw him regularly at the athletic carnivals, but never had the pleasure of meeting him.